Dallas is so busy looking forward it doesn't always take the time to look back. That is unfortunate for many reasons; we can overlook those places that help give the city its character, and we can end up re-making past mistakes. (See: the plan to rehab IH-345.)

In an effort to rectify that, AIA Dallas, the Dallas Center for Architecture, and the University of Texas at Arlington's David Dillon Center for Architecture are teaming up to host a series of discussions on the city's history with the architects who have done so much to shape it. The first will address the changing face of Dallas in the 1960s, as the city rebounded from the Kennedy assassination, and wrestled with the challenges of suburban growth and segregation. Speaking will be: Pat Spillman, author of the urban design portion of Goals for Dallas, the city planning initiative spearheaded by Mayor Erik Jonsson. (Spillman also designed the central library that bears Jonsson's name). Philip Henderson, prolific architect, and one of the visionaries responsible for the transformation of the Katy Trail into an urban amenity; and Vel Hawes, who worked closely with the Nasher family on NorthPark Center and the Nasher Sculpture Center. I will moderate.